INSIDE THE FPHL: Jay Croop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BILOXI, MS- When Biloxi Pro Hockey fans think of hockey in Columbus, many fans from the Sea Wolves and Surge eras can remember Jerome “Boom Boom” Bechard and the Columbus Cottonmouths.

After the Columbus Cottonmouths suspended operations in the SPHL, the Columbus River Dragons joined the FPHL, founded by Jeff Croop. He is not the only Croop with the River Dragons organization, however.

Jay Croop is a six-year professional who has seen time with the Port Huron Prowlers, Carolina Thunderbirds among other teams, but now plays for the team his father founded, the Columbus River Dragons.

In 2019-2020 he had the best performance of his career with 21 goals, 20 assists for 40 points, and 89 minutes in the box. The same season where he scored the first goal in River Dragons history.

Jay told us he started playing hockey at age 3, but he’s also enjoyed time with another team in Columbus.

“I started playing hockey around age 3, but I also love baseball,” Croop said.

Jay Croop participated in the Columbus Chatt-a-hoots (Sunbelt Baseball League) "Hockey Crossover Night” promotion in July, where he struck out and maybe is used to game misconducts in hockey and found himself getting ejected just after one at-bat.

“It was great. I loved it. I loved being part of the guys, it reminded me when I played college baseball.” Croop said.

Jay Croop also works in the front office of the River Dragons organization as the Vice President of corporate partnerships.

The Columbus River Dragons are one of the model organizations in the FPHL, and won the 2021 FPHL Ignite Cup this past season.

Biloxi Pro Hockey is bringing professional hockey back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast! TICKETS ARE ON SALE for three neutral site games on December 2nd, 17th, and 30th. Get yours today by visiting the coliseum box office or ticketmaster.com for more information.